Myanmar is a Land of Traditional Festivals. There is no single month that does not have a festival all the year round. Traditional Festivals are for merry-making, for preserving traditions, for religious observance, for competition and for commerce. Myanmar life and custom are so inextricably bound up with religion that no account would be complete without a brief description of the principal Myanmar Traditional Festivals.Myanmar is a country featuring many fascinating festivals. If you have the opportunity to travel to this country, you should experience at least one out of five most unusual festivals in Myanmar to learn more about the people and their lives.
Waso full moon festival
The traditional festival begins on the full moon of April in Myanmar calendar (July), with the duration of 15 days. This is the sacred Buddhist festival because this period is known as the first time the Buddha preached sermons after his enlightenment. This is also the time marking the beginning of the fasting month of Buddhism. The monks are not allowed to go out of the monastery at night but still go out for alms in daytime during the rainy season.
Kason Festival
To honour Buddha’s birthday, every May sees the country acknowledge this auspicious event with an alternative water-pouring ceremony. This time, the focus of the occasion is the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment whilst meditating. During the Myanmar river cruises we can either arrange for you to follow the processions of pilgrims to join in the ritual that ensures these precious fig trees do not succumb to drought or pour scented water in one of the country’s magnificent pagoda complexes.
Thingyan Festival
This Buddhist festival is usually celebrated from 13-16 April over a period of four to five days, leading towards the Myanmar New Year celebration. Water-throwing from any shape or form of vessel or device that delivers water is the distinguishing feature of this festival. Thingyan is comparable to other New Year festivities in Theravada Buddhism.
Kachin Manaw Festival
How does joining a line of people dressed in their best costumes and dancing a spiritual dance around a totem-like pole sound? At the same time, be in awe at the beautiful traditional costumes and the colorful, traditional Manaw poles decorated in Kachin motifs. This is exactly what happens on the 10th of January in Myitkyina and Putao of Kachin state.
Wagaung Festival
Held between July and August, Wagaung is a month for alms-giving. Lots are drawn and monks will receive whatever bowl his lot falls. Each donor also draws lots and the lucky donor often receives a sum of money. The winner is overjoyed with his luck and believes he is given another chance to do good deeds of merit. So, he spends his money for yet another alms-giving ceremony.
Water Festival
This is one of the most famous and vibrant festivals of Burma. During the festival, all the countrymen abandon their work bring their nation to a standstill. Water festival is seen as an indication of washing away of sins while welcoming the New Year with a fresh energy. During the season, people also meet each other, visit pagodas, and pay homage to monks.
Waso full moon festival
The traditional festival begins on the full moon of April in Myanmar calendar (July), with the duration of 15 days. This is the sacred Buddhist festival because this period is known as the first time the Buddha preached sermons after his enlightenment. This is also the time marking the beginning of the fasting month of Buddhism. The monks are not allowed to go out of the monastery at night but still go out for alms in daytime during the rainy season.
Kason Festival
To honour Buddha’s birthday, every May sees the country acknowledge this auspicious event with an alternative water-pouring ceremony. This time, the focus of the occasion is the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment whilst meditating. During the Myanmar river cruises we can either arrange for you to follow the processions of pilgrims to join in the ritual that ensures these precious fig trees do not succumb to drought or pour scented water in one of the country’s magnificent pagoda complexes.
Thingyan Festival
This Buddhist festival is usually celebrated from 13-16 April over a period of four to five days, leading towards the Myanmar New Year celebration. Water-throwing from any shape or form of vessel or device that delivers water is the distinguishing feature of this festival. Thingyan is comparable to other New Year festivities in Theravada Buddhism.
Kachin Manaw Festival
How does joining a line of people dressed in their best costumes and dancing a spiritual dance around a totem-like pole sound? At the same time, be in awe at the beautiful traditional costumes and the colorful, traditional Manaw poles decorated in Kachin motifs. This is exactly what happens on the 10th of January in Myitkyina and Putao of Kachin state.
Wagaung Festival
Held between July and August, Wagaung is a month for alms-giving. Lots are drawn and monks will receive whatever bowl his lot falls. Each donor also draws lots and the lucky donor often receives a sum of money. The winner is overjoyed with his luck and believes he is given another chance to do good deeds of merit. So, he spends his money for yet another alms-giving ceremony.
Water Festival
This is one of the most famous and vibrant festivals of Burma. During the festival, all the countrymen abandon their work bring their nation to a standstill. Water festival is seen as an indication of washing away of sins while welcoming the New Year with a fresh energy. During the season, people also meet each other, visit pagodas, and pay homage to monks.
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